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Investigation completed regarding arrest of youth in Sydney

Oct

02

The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) today released its report regarding the arrest of a 16-year-old male in Sydney on October 4, 2014 by two members of the Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP)

On January 19, 2015, SiRT received a complaint from the mother of the youth suggesting that excessive force was used during the male’s arrest. It was alleged that when her son was arrested by two CBRP officers they used excessive force after he was handcuffed. AP had been arrested for attempting to break into a parked transport trailer on the property of Olympic Shoe Repair on Prince Street in Sydney.

SiRT took a statement from the youth, as well as the two police officers involved in the arrest. The youth acknowledged he and a friend were caught trying to break into a transport trailer. He alleged he was punched and tripped by the officers after he was handcuffed. He suffered abrasions to his face, as well as bruising to his abdomen and scalp. The police denied the allegations made by the youth, and indicated that the youth resisted their attempt to arrest him and may have suffered his injuries when they had to take him to the ground to control him. The youth and the police officers all appeared credible. Video of the incident no longer existed by the time SiRT was informed of the matter, but had been viewed by the owner of the store who did not see the police do anything out of the ordinary. In addition, medical evidence was consistent with both what the youth and the police said.

As a result, it was determined that the facts did not justify the laying of any charge against either officer.

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.